An unapologetically old-school bar beloved by locals has been sprucing up their building over the last year, but they are still striving to keep the same neighborhood vibe after recently re-opening their doors.
In late 2017, the entire property that houses Bobby Dee’s at 49 Beacon Avenue was purchased and a revamp was planned. The group that bought the bar included Dominick Pandolfo, who is a partner in Downtown Jersey City staple Edward’s Steakhouse, and Tom Egar, who co-owned the old Lamp Post Bar & Grille on 2nd Street that closed in 2015.
Bobby Dee’s stayed open on weekends during the almost year-long renovation but has now completed the job (don’t worry nostalgia fans, they kept the old exterior sign). The transformation of the building included new siding, restoring a cornice on the roof, installing new and bigger windows, and adding a brick face to the bar’s entrance.
General Manager Stephen Kress told Jersey Digs that while Bobby Dee’s has been modernized, that doesn’t mean exorbitant prices. “We’re looking to be a more economical option for locals, he said. “The space has been cleaned up a lot, but it’s still a neighborhood bar.”
That cleaned up space includes a brand new American walnut bar top and a generally open feeling with more natural light. But those who remember the old Bobby Dee’s will see a few tributes of sorts to the previous bar, including a bench that was outside the building that’s been installed as part of the bar area.
Those who visited during the construction can rest assured they have literally left their mark on Bobby Dee’s. Sheetrock that was put up at the back of the building was signed and drawn on by locals, and it remains visible after the completed renovation.
Bobby Dee’s will soon be featuring live music, as Kress said they should have their entertainment license approved soon. A piano is already on site in the corner near a window, which has a small stage adorned with 100-year-old iron railings that were reused from a Jersey City-based church. In addition, Bobby Dee’s will soon start serving bar pizza pies and hot and cold sandwiches sliced fresh to order for patrons seven days a week. Some additional improvements to the property like a mural from a local artist that will adorn the exterior side of the building are in the works.
Drink specials include a happy hour that runs from the bar’s opening until 7 p.m. on weekdays and beer bucket deals during NFL Sundays. Bobby Dee’s is officially open and serving late seven days a week starting at 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, at 2 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and noon on weekends.
